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Introducing Aurangabad

Located in the state of Maharashtra, between the rivers Kham and Sukhna, Aurangabad was founded in 1610 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.The huge historical gates, which can be seen all over the city, echo the time when Aurangabad was a fortified capital from 1653 to 1707. Today, the city serves as the headquarters of the enormous district, offering modern services and amenities. The craft of Mashru and Himroo, fabric made of cotton and silk with the luster of satin, is one of the most well-known local industries.Not far from the city, a replica of the Taj Mahal, Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, arises from the Bani Begum Gardens surrounded by fountains, fluted pillars, and monumental domes. The tomb was built in memory of Aurangazeb's wife, Begum Rabia Durani, and although its proportions and details are less magnificent than the Taj Mahal, the strong resemblance to the architectural masterpiece earned it the name of Dakkhani Taj.

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Aurangabad functions as a gateway to explore two magnificent World Heritage Sites: the rock-cut Buddhist monuments of Ajanta and the cave temples of Ellora. The 34 caves of Ellora host sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism as well as the world's largest monolithic sculpture, the Kailash Temple. The 29 caves of Ajanta, with outstanding paintings and sculptures, represent masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.Aurangabad also has three museums housing the art treasures of the region – the Sunheri Mahal Museum, the University Museum, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum.